The Chicago Cubs and the curious case of David Bote

The Chicago Cubs’ David Bote signed an extension in April of last year. Why did he do that? I’ve got a simple explanation for that.

The Chicago Cubs‘ David Bote was interested in money. And the only way to get that was the extension. So he signed it on the dotted line and was guaranteed over $15 million over the next four years–2020 not included (the players will have to give something up.) Then you have the option years, $1MM for the first, $500K for the second for 2025 and 2026, respectively.

He knew he was ‘valuable,’ at least the infield. He played third and second, plus shortstop (a couple in right and left, but just one game.) But he realized the value in it and capitalized on it. He understood the infield–including him–have some aches and pains. Perfect timing to sneak a player a break. He played 74 games in 2018 and 127 games in 2019. He’s impeccable for a short break here or there.

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In the service time, he’s ahead of the curve. He’s not a quality regular as Paul DeJong, or break out stars as Ronald Acuna. He’s in the middle of it. And that’s perfect for him. He stands as the 27th multi-year extension since last year (2019).

The extension seems like he’s on his way to a humble role. The cost-effectiveness has it’s perks. The $15MM–plus a buyout–is perfect. It’s a way to gain financial security without breaking the bank. The 26-year old who was the 18th round pick was far from a top prospect–but he’s getting there, bit by bit.

Bote is a curious case. He has a solid year and signs an extension in 2019. Then when everybody expects to produce–he produced a slash of .333/.448/.375 with an OPS of .823 during spring training–the season is delayed until at least June. It’s a funny sort of world, isn’t it?

I’m hoping for June. But the coronavirus (COVID-19) will run its course, and I don’t know when that will be. Either June or, dare I say it, winter? I don’t know it will go that far–but it might.